Children's Aid Society sues Sarnia councillor over criticism of job ad recruiting diverse groups

The Sarnia-Lambton Children's Aid Society (SLCAS) is suing Sarnia city councillor Bill Dennis over social media posts criticizing the organization's recruitment efforts.

Court documents allege that Dennisaccused the SLCAS and its executive director Dawn Flegel of discriminatory hiring practices, "woke craziness" and being a "grifter"in posts made on his Facebook page.

The posts, according to the documents filed by Flegel, are in reference to a recruitment poster the SLCAS posted online in May that encouraged people to apply for a child protection worker position.

"We are looking for people who identify as: Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, bilingual-French speakingto join our team," reads the post.

The poster went on to highlight that the SLCAS believed there was "an overrepresentation of Indigenous, Black and 2SLGBTQ+ families in the child welfare system."

Fegel said that the job ad was created "to address the underrepresentation of the diverse populations of children and their families served by the SLCAS," according to court documents.

"We welcome applications from racialized groups, First Nation, Inuit or Metis persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientationand persons of any gender identity or gender expression," the SLCAS included in the poster in small print at the bottom.

"The applications were open to anyone interested," according to Flegel in the court documents.

Dennis, who said that he will not comment on the lawsuit out of respect for the legal proceedings, allegedly commented on the job post saying "this type of discrimination disgusts me."

Flegel considered those comments libellous, slanderous and defamatory while also being worried that they would impact donations to the SLCAS, the court documents say.

Libel notice sent to councillor in May

She wrote a letter that was published in theSarnia Journal thatFlegel said led to another post from Dennis.

The court documents say Dennis wrote "Clearly lots of money to be made in the race hustling/victim business. Just another far left wacko elitist. And a group of bat shit crazy lunatics that try to destroy you if you don't agree with them."

Flegel's lawyers sent a letter to Dennis on May 31 making him aware of plans to file a civil suit for libel and slander and requesting an apology and retraction of the posts.

Dennis, according to the documents, removed the posts but did not apologize or retract the statements.

Flegel, who filed the lawsuit earlier this month, wants the court to order Dennis to apologize andretract his statements.

She is also seeking $100,000 in damages for defamation, saying that she has experienced "mental anguish and stress" while also "receiving unsolicited and undeserved threats and personal attacks against their character and reputation."

SLCAS board of directors support lawsuit

"After careful consideration I have decided to gain the aid of a local law firm in defending the rights and liberties of my highly valued constituents," wrote Dennis on his Facebook page after the lawsuit was filed.

In a statement posted online, the SLACS board of directors said that they support the legal action.

"We embrace inclusion and recognize that diversity is an absolute necessity if we are to meet the needs of all children, youth and families we support," wrote the board.

They say they will not be making any more comments because of the legal proceedings.

Dennis has not yet filed a statement of defence.